Once again, thanks to all of our troops currently serving and to those who have served. A big shout out to all you Marines out there like my father, Sgt Douglas Axe USMC.

Semper Fi men.

What a doozy in our return to ABS last night. The Chiefs pulled off a big comeback, the bullpen was brilliant again, I almost caught my first foul ball, and we were treated to some good live music.

All that and more in this edition of "Tales from the PA Booth" after the jump...

The Comeback Kids

With Ismael Ramirez clearly struggling and not fully recovered from a earlier groin injury, (more on him in a minute) The Chiefs were staring at a 5-0 hole before you could say "Norfolk" at the end of the 2nd inning.

But that's why they play the games, isn't it kids?

The short, short version.

John Hattig had a 2-RBI single in the bottom of the 2nd to atleast make things interesting, both both teams went quiet for 4 innings, then in the 7th, Howie Clark hit one square over the Melvin and Melvin sign to ignite the powder keg.

Tied 5-5.

The next inning, Erik Kratz hit an RBI-single over the pushed in infield, Russ Adams had a 2 RBI-Double and that was all she wrote.

8-5 good guys.

Ramirez Rocked

*It was clear Ismael Ramirez was not feeling it early. Ramirez gave up a HR, Double, and RBI single (all to right center) before anyone could take the first sips of their frosty beverages or open that box of cracker jacks. Ramirez clearly isn't 100% while still recovering from a groin twinge he suffered back on May 17.

So with Ramirez still hurting, Doug Davis had to turn to the bullpen early. Jim Crowell took Ramirez's place and was brilliant.

Crowell went 4.2 innings, allowed just three hits (all singles), 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 K. Crowell got the Tides 1-2-3 in the 4th, 5th, and 6th innings all on groundouts or flyouts.

Brilliant Bullpen

Crowell's dominance, along with Jordan DeJong and Blaine Neal shutting the door allowing 0 hits between them, continued an impressive streak for the Chiefs bullpen. While in Pawtucket, the bullpen had a had a 14-inning scoreless streak and had a 1.29 ERA entering last night's game in the last three games.

Webgems

Two of the great defensive plays of the year happened last night.

In the 2nd, 3B Brad Hassey dove to his right, snagged a ground ball, hopped up, and somehow beat JR House to 1st with the throw. It was breathtaking.

Then, in the 3rd, Norfolk RF Luis Montanez made a running shoestring catch on a John-Ford Griffin shot to right that went against everything I learned about physics. I still don't know how he made that catch.

Almost had one!

Been to alot of baseball games in my life and have never come close to getting a foul ball.

My best shot came last night. Sitting in the PA Booth of all places.

Wayne Lydon sent a screamer behind home plate that hit inches below my open window.
It even prompted a "You alright, Axeman?" from a concerned blog reader below in the luxury box.

But even better, it prompted a "Hey Axeman, how about those Red Sox!" from below as well.
That made me feel better about having to pay off a wager with scoreboard guru (and fellow Chris Angel "Mindfreak" fan) Richie from the Yankees-Red Sox Series.

I will have a foul ball this year. Oh yes. I will have a foul ball this year.

The Champ is here!

Scoreboard guru Craig was back in the booth mere hours after assisting the Lemoyne Lacrosse team down in Baltimore after the Dolphins won the 2nd of their back-to-back national titles.

No, he doesn't play.

He was a jack of all trades media guy in Baltimore, which earned him the official on-field "Champions" hat he was sporting in the booth last night.

Did he remember to pick one up for his buddy The Axeman?

That would be a big negative.

Grrr. Craig. Grrrr.

Jazzfest comes early

Fans who made the Memorial Day trek to ABS were treated to some great live music last night. 5-time SAMMY Award winner Ronnie Leigh sang the National Anthem and Jazz star Nancy Kelly sang "God Bless America" and a great live version of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" as well.